Disconnect and reflect: take a break from the internet after the 2016 Presidential Election

On the night of Nov. 8, the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election gave rise to a title that is sure to stir mixed emotions for people of color across the nation: President-Elect Donald Trump.

It still amazes me that I am currently witnessing history unfold.

Beyond shocking millions of people across the nation, the 2016 Presidential election is bound to go down as one of the most controversial campaigns in history. Not just because Donald Trump, whom was once an entertainment personality and business mogul, has become the first person to become president-elect ever — from George Washington to Barack Obama — with no political or military experience (as opposed to his former opponent Hilary Clinton who dedicated her career to political servitude), or even that (one can argue) his entire campaign was fueled with and perpetuated hate speech. In retrospect, perhaps those factors do play a large part in the shock factor.

The veracity of Trump’s mouth and his spicy come backs were viewed as an ongoing joke at the start of his campaign. However, as time went on his backhanded comments began to stray away from what some deemed as joking-jargon and exposed offensive language targeted towards the LGBTQ community, Muslims, Hispanics, African Americans, veterans, women and the disabled.

Since the announcement, many marginalized communities and people of color have been flocking to social media to express their opinions, and (in many cases) to document their experience with hate crimes and discrimination from American citizens who claim to be acting on the words and will of Donald Trump.

University of Florida student Isabella Bobadilla, 20, political science major, said that Trump as president is extremely terrifying, especially as a minority. “Social media has helped the world grasp what exactly the hateful rhetoric trump’s spewed out can cause,” Bobadilla said. “Hate crimes against all marginalized groups are coming to light because of social media. I think we shouldn’t be too involved in social media because it can make us go a bit crazy, but it’s good to be in the know when it comes to current events.”

When it comes to social connectivity, it is easy to get lost in the populated alternate reality. Although it is easy to feel helpless to the state the state of your own future after being exposed to socially violent behavior, it is important to for people who may feel targeted by these recent actions take a moment away from social media for the sake their mental health.

Consider this: Instead of scouring social media at all hours of the day and becoming consumed with the post-election incidents that can easily become overwhelming, take advantage of the opportunity to dedicate time to yourself and continue to foster meaning connections offline.

Schedule solitude.

Being alone does not equate to being lonely. Because we live in such a fast paced world, we often forget to take a moment to step away from what complicates our lives and slow down. This time can be used to think deeply about the true state of your emotions, consider your problems and process them more effectively. Taking the time to mentally recover from life’s stressors is not just healthy, it’s important.

Help improve concentration and increase productivity

Although the results of the such a big election will inevitably impact our lives in some way, the show must go on. Sometimes it may seem as if you need to explain how minorities are bracing themselves for a long four years after Trumps victory to a troll account on Twitter or your beloved friend on Facebook instead of finishing an important assignment but trust me you don’t. You’d be amazed at how much more you can get done when you’re not distracted. Let’s face it. When we’re focused things get done faster, which gives you the opportunity to get more done.